We investigated the accessibility of height- and weight-measurement tools and the awareness of one's own height and weight in a specific population in West New Britain Province (WNBP), Papua New Guinea, where obesity is prevalent. Of 558 participants (mean age 34.8 ± 14.0 years, 48.2% women, average body mass index =25.1 ± 4.83 kg/m2), >70% had limited access to measurement scales and 97.5% lacked accurate knowledge of their own height and weight. Our findings imply that increased access to measurement tools and awareness of personal height and weight is necessary to improve the feasibility and effectiveness of weight-management interventions in areas such as WNBP.
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